Graduation

Well, I have now officially graduated from Trinity Western with a Bachelor of Arts. Wearing a gown is actually quite comfortable - I don't think it would've been all that terrible wearing them all the time like the academics of the middle ages did. The hood is annoying, though, as it kept slipping off. Besides, the shape of the hood is so weird that you couldn't really wear it as a hood anyhow! As for the cap, well, it looked cool when everyone was wearing them but I prefer to go without it and it did get itchy after a while.

So, besides the unusual regalia, we had a nice, although somewhat long, ceremony. My family came out to cheer me on and take lots of photos. The place was milling with smiling people, friends in dark robes, and professors a large variety of robes. Introduced some friends and profs to my family, ate rich chocolate squares, took more photos, and drank punch from a punch fountain...

(For more pics, see http://www.tonysanz.smugmug.com/gallery/2774905#147736474)

Then it was back to Fort Langley to pick up the rest of my things and now I'm in Vancouver for one night before I head up north to my practicum. Apparently, learning doesn't end with graduation...

What is this blog all about?

Welcome to my first ever newly-created blog! Its purpose is to keep all my family and friends updated on my many adventures this summer as I'll be exploring various corners of my country - the spacious, majestically beautiful land of Canada.

Here's what the summer holds for me, or, at least, what I think it holds for me...

April 28: I walk across the stage in a baggy, zip-up gown, a hood that I couldn't figure out how to wear, and a hat that is a combination of a bathing cap and a flat piece of carboard. And I will officially be graduated from Trinity Western University with a Bachelor of Arts.

April 29 - May 10: Will be spending two weeks on an Aboriginal reserve in the Chilcoutin (just west of William's Lake) where I will be doing a practicum in their school.

May 11: Get back to Vancouver just in time for Kathryn's wedding.

May 12 - June 16: Flying to Quebec - specifically Chicoutimi - to learn french for five weeks through a government sponsored program called Explore. Will be staying with a host family and attending french classes at a university. Probably won't be talking much for the first few weeks as I'm not aloud to speak english and I know almost next to no french!

June 17 - August 26: ???????????? This is the part that is yet to be determined. Maybe work in Quebec? Maybe work in Vancouver? One thing I know is that I am planning on spending some time with my German "parents" - Uli and Inge - who are coming to Vancouver in August.

August 27: I begin my Professional Year Program (PYP) at Trinity - i. e. my teacher certification year. Doing my practicum in a grade one classroom with amazing, adorable kids.

So, that's the plan. I'll try to keep you all updated on my adventures, challenges, and lessons so check back often!